Full Breakdown
Box Office Highlights: "Demon Slayer" and "The Conjuring: Last Rites"
9/14/2025, 1:28:02 AM
Record-Breaking Opening for "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle"
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" is poised to achieve the largest anime opening weekend in North American box office history, with projections estimating earnings between $56 million and $60 million. The film, released by Crunchyroll, garnered over $11 million on its Thursday night preview and reached $33 million on its opening day, indicating strong initial interest from audiences. The film's success is attributed to its dedicated fanbase, which tends to attend early showings for a communal experience. The previous record for an anime opening was held by "Pokemon: The First Movie," which earned $31 million in 1999.
Performance of Competing Releases
In the same weekend, "The Conjuring: Last Rites" opened with a strong performance, grossing approximately $84 million in its debut, making it the highest-grossing opening weekend for a horror film. Despite mixed reviews, with a critics' score of 57% and an audience score of 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film's box office success reflects the established popularity of the "Conjuring" franchise. Following "Demon Slayer," "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" secured third place with an estimated $20 million, while Stephen King's adaptation "The Long Walk" struggled, projected to earn between $11 million and $12.5 million.
Audience Reception and Critical Response
While "Demon Slayer" is celebrated for its animation and storytelling, "The Conjuring: Last Rites" has faced criticism for its plot and character development. Fans expressed disappointment over the film's unnamed demon and its focus on the Warrens rather than the Smurl family, leading to a perception of the film as more of a family drama than a horror experience. Despite this, the film's box office performance suggests a strong viewer interest, likely bolstered by the franchise's established fanbase.
Broader Implications for the Genre
The success of "Demon Slayer" and "The Conjuring: Last Rites" highlights the ongoing popularity of both anime and horror films in contemporary cinema. "Demon Slayer" continues to build on its previous successes, including the record-breaking "Mugen Train," while "The Conjuring" franchise remains a significant player in the horror genre. The contrasting audience reactions to these films illustrate the diverse preferences within the cinematic landscape, where established franchises can still draw significant box office returns despite critical scrutiny.
Conclusion
As "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" sets new records, and "The Conjuring: Last Rites" solidifies its place in horror history, the box office landscape reflects a dynamic interplay between fan expectations and critical reception. Both films exemplify the enduring appeal of their respective genres, promising continued interest and engagement from audiences in the weeks to come.
